Launching “The Project Failure Files”

In case you missed yesterday’s inaugural episode, here’s your official welcome to “The Project Failure Files,” a weekly livestream series where your hosts, myself and Sharon Weaver (@sharoneweaver), both of us seasoned Microsoft MVPs and RDs with extensive project management backgrounds, dive into the often-comedic misadventures of project management. Our aim? To explore what NOT to do. While many experts get on their soapboxes and preach best practices, we’re here to spotlight the missteps, ensuring you know how to sidestep project pitfalls before they sidetrack your success.

Each episode of “The Project Failure Files” will unpack a different theme—from the pandemonium of having “Too Many Cooks” in the decision-making process to the dreaded “Scope Creep.” Expect real-world examples that not only illustrate these blunders vividly but also offer strategies for evasion or correction. We believe in learning through the misfortunes of others—preferably with a light-hearted touch, avoiding the preachiness that often accompanies traditional talks of best practices.

Here is Episode 1 where we talk about our plans for the show, and welcome audience participation:

 

By setting a foundation in key project management concepts, our series caters to both the grizzled project veteran and the newbie just setting foot on the management path. We aim to establish a common framework and language to help our audience grasp the intricacies and potential hazards of project execution. Our discussions will cover everything essential, from project initiation to the nuanced dance of stakeholder management.

Join us each week as we chart a course through the treacherous waters of project management, emphasizing continuous improvement and the importance of learning from the past. “The Project Failure Files” isn’t just about pointing out problems—it’s about fostering an adaptable, knowledgeable, and resilient project management community. Tune in, take notes, and maybe enjoy a chuckle or two at the absurdity of some all-too-common project errors. Register now for Episode 2 – Having Too Many Cooks in the Kitchen: The Problem of Excessive Decision-Makers